As the winner of the poster contest for this year's festival, Thomas will receive a $1,000 cash award. His design will be featured on the official Tejano Conjunto Festival poster and T-shirt available for sale at the festival.

Thomas has been a professional graphic designer for over 18 years and has worked in Virginia and San Diego in illustration, web design, social media, video production and photography.

Thomas said he fell in love with San Antonio, its people and culture on a road trip with his parents in 1987 when they stopped on their way to visit his grandmother's home in Brownsville. Thomas said he has felt connected to San Antonio ever since.

"I am very honored that my poster design was chosen to represent this wonderful event,” he said.